South Korea's Recum Launches Recycled Competition-Grade Table Tennis Ball

Recum Co., Ltd., a South Korean sports equipment manufacturer, announced at the end of 2025 that it has entered the eco-friendly sports market with a competition-grade table tennis ball produced from recycled polymer feedstock. The move is pitched as both a sustainability initiative and a bid to meet the needs of clubs and retailers seeking lower-footprint equipment that still meets competition standards.

The company described an automated manufacturing process designed to reduce on-site waste and improve production efficiency. Recum positioned the new ball as part of a wider shift in racket and paddle sports toward environmentally conscious equipment, emphasizing a lower carbon footprint and reduced use of virgin plastics as primary goals.

Certifying the ball for sanctioned play is central to Recum’s rollout. The company said it has either secured ITTF certification or is in the process of securing ITTF testing and approval to ensure the product meets competition requirements. Final ITTF recognition will determine where the ball can be used in sanctioned events and will influence early adoption by national associations, leagues, and tournament organizers.

Recum plans wholesale distribution to clubs and retailers and intends to export to international markets. The company also outlined plans to actively promote the ball to national associations and club operators during 2026, signaling a campaign aimed at procurement officers and equipment buyers rather than only end users.

Practical value for clubs and operators is immediate but conditional. Verify the ball’s ITTF certification before incorporating it into sanctioned competition. Request performance data and play samples from suppliers to compare bounce, durability, and feel against existing competition balls. Assess potential long-term savings or supply chain benefits that automated production and recycled feedstock may deliver, and weigh those against any price premium during initial rollout.

For club managers, retailers, and association officials, this development offers an early opportunity to pilot greener equipment and to shape procurement preferences as more manufacturers explore recycled materials. Keep an eye on official ITTF listings and on supplier sample programs in early 2026 to determine whether Recum’s recycled ball meets both performance and sustainability expectations for your programs.